‘Self-Sufficiency Is Within Reach’ If Action Taken to Leverage U.S. Strengths

Washington – Business Roundtable welcomed this week’s unveiling of the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015 by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA).

“America’s business leaders welcome the bipartisan initiative championed by Chairman Murkowski and Senator Cantwell to modernize U.S. energy policy. Their legislation would capitalize on America’s strengths to deliver increased benefits to families, workers and businesses, ” said Nicholas K. Akins, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Electric Power and Chair of the Business Roundtable Committee on Energy and Environment. “North American energy self-sufficiency is within reach, but the United States needs a national strategy that maximizes America’s capabilities and resources. The strategic vision offered by Senators Murkowski and Cantwell is an important first step in developing an effective plan to move America forward.”

Business Roundtable detailed a comprehensive national energy strategy in its report, Taking Action on Energy: A CEO Vision for America’s Energy Future. The Murkowski-Cantwell energy plan is closely aligned with the Business Roundtable strategy, including provisions to further improve energy efficiency, modernize U.S. energy infrastructure, ensure a diverse supply of energy, bolster electric reliability and carefully balance energy development with environmental stewardship – which Business Roundtable called for in Taking Action on Energy.

“Business Roundtable looks forward to working with Chairman Murkowski, Senator Cantwell and each member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to enact a more strategic national energy policy,” Akins said.

Business Roundtable earlier this year released an economic growth agenda that includes tax reform, expanded trade opportunities, immigration reform, fiscal stability, infrastructure investment and a more strategic approach to energy policy that capitalizes on America’s strengths. Learn more about Business Roundtable here and our 2015 growth agenda here.